The UK has six species of true jellyfish and two species of jellyfish-like animals, the Portuguese man o'war and by-the-wind-sailor, which are both classified as siphonophores. They are solid-looking jellies, even when beached but, despite their impressive size and mass, their sting is thought to be generally harmless to humans. They can be found in all the seas and oceans of the world at every level of the water, from the surface to the very depths. Eight jellyfish species have been recorded throughout Dorset with frequent sightings of the compass, moon, blue and barrel jellyfish in the spring and summer. They are known to actively swim away from movement in the water, so are likely to avoid swimmers. Found in the freezing waters of the Arctic ocean and the Northern Pacific Ocean, they are … Photo by Pro Image Photography on Unsplash The UK Jellyfish Survey. Lion’s mane jellyfish is the largest known species of jellyfish. Here is a mini-guide to the main jellyfish species and the most recognizable gelatinous plankton species prevalent in our seas. Barrel Jellyfish . Some people love them, the way they elegantly move through the water, the beautiful colours, the different varieties that visit UK shores and how they arrive in large blooms as summer arrives. They are distinguished by a saucer-like shape on the top and tentacles hanging below as thick as a lion’s mane. Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma Pulmo) The largest of the species found in UK waters, Barrel Jellyfish are off white in colour with purple lobes around their edges and can reach over a metre in diameter. These are the six most common types of jellyfish found in UK waters, according to The Marine Biological Association 1. "Jellyfish," or more properly gelatinous zooplankton, can be distinguished from one another by their shape, size, color, and other bodily features, as well as by where and when they typically occur.Here's a quick guide to help you identify the jellies you're likely to encounter in … Guide to Jellyfish in the UK Over the last few years the number of jellyfish present in UK waters has increased dramatically, especially in the warmer waters around the south west of the British Isles. Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) – it has four white rings. 02nd August, 2017. Jellyfish are amongst the most spectacular marine species in the world. These are also called Dustbin Lid Jellyfish as they are often about that size in UK waters. Click on the illustrations of each individual jellyfish to learn more about the respective species. On occasion, these have included swarms. But not all jellyfish are stinging; many are harmless to humans, but it is always best to avoid touching them. 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